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Power–Control as a Between- and Within-Family Model: Reconsidering the Unit of Analysis

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Abstract

Power-control theory predicts gender differences in delinquency based on the level of patriarchy in the family. Tests yield mixed results, generally supporting some elements of the theory. However, because previous research does not test the theory at the family level, research does not capture within-family, as well as between-family, differences. This study, using the National Youth Survey, yields support for the use of family-level data, over individual-level data, in testing power-control theory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 4018, Atlanta, Georgia, 30302-4018

    Brenda Sims Blackwell

  2. Department of Criminal Justice, Georgia State University, USA

    Mark D. Reed

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  1. Brenda Sims Blackwell
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  2. Mark D. Reed
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Blackwell, B.S., Reed, M.D. Power–Control as a Between- and Within-Family Model: Reconsidering the Unit of Analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 32, 385–400 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024978116489

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